Colorthru comb

ABSTRACT

The present invention, Colorthru Comb, provides a traditional styling comb featuring an elongated handle that is removable so that it is left or right handed friendly, at the distal end of which a two sided comb head is integrally attached. One side of the comb head boasts wide spaced teeth, enabling the stylist to create dramatic sweeping highlights or lowlights, while the opposite side of the comb features a series of closely spaced teeth, so this side can be used to comb out any tangles prior to using. The coloring side of the coloring comb has widely spaced teeth that are hollow, with the end of each tooth open, through which the designated colorant evenly flows. The base portion of the Colorthru Comb features an integrated reservoir measuring approximately one inch in depth, with channels from that reservoir incorporated into the design of each tooth. The interior of the comb is filled with designated colorant and the product is channeled through and dispensed via the teeth.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/283,894 filed Dec. 10, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Colorthru Comb.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of hair coloring devices, and more specifically to the field of hair coloring dispensing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for hair coloring devices. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,819,723 to Roger Meyer describes a method and apparatus for hair dyeing wherein the hair dyeing substance is activated immediately preceding the application of the dye to the hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,839 to Josie Ann Patti describes an applicator of liquid products, such as dyes, to hair in exact quantities and locations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,733 to John Brian Bartolone, et al describes a method for electrochemically dyeing, highlighting or tinting hair by first applying to the hair an oxidative dye precursor mixture which is then contacted with an electrode system to electrochemically oxidize the primary intermediate to produce a colored dye through a coupling reaction.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,885 to Melvin R. Kennedy, et al describes devices configured to permit the application of color to hair from a solid or semi-solid hair coloring composition and methods relating to use of such devices.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair color applicator device in the shape of a standard hair comb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the device of the present invention illustrating both a full size and smaller version of the device.

FIG. 2 is a view of the device of the present invention and the cover for the comb suspended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout history, men and women have utilized hair coloring as a simple means of altering or improving their appearance. In ancient Egypt, concoctions of henna, sage and indigo were liberally applied to the hair in order to brighten the color and cover gray, while the ancient Gauls painted their hair red to signify class. During the Renaissance period, golden hair was all the rage, and women mixed black sulfur, alum and honey, applying it to their hair and spreading their tresses over a brimless hat until the sun helped them achieve the shade they desired. In the “modern” era of the 1920's flappers and socialites alike applied metallic minerals mixed with harsh chemicals in order to stain their hair dark black, while the 1930's saw countless women rushing to salons in order to have their hair bleached with stringent chemicals in emulation of the original “blonde bombshell” Jean Harlow. Today, approximately six out of every ten women and countless men use some form of hair coloring. A specialized field, color stylists of today are more artists than mere barbers or beauticians. With an endless color palette to choose from, and new techniques such as dimensional hair coloring, consumers are finding that colored hair can be rich in depth, yet shimmer with natural looking highlights.

For anyone who colors their hair, routine touchups are necessary in order to prevent dark or contrasting roots from showing and detracting from their overall appearance. Typically, the hair of the scalp grows at a rate of approximately one half inch per month. Therefore, depending on the shade of colorant one has applied, as well as the natural shade of one's hair, roots can begin to show after only a couple of weeks following a color treatment. Further, many consumers wish to enjoy a more natural look when coloring their hair, thus highlights and lowlights are added to create a natural effect. As such, spending long hours in a styling chair as the hair is wrapped in foils or pulled through a cap is a common occurrence for many who color their hair.

The present invention, herein after referred to as the Colorthru Comb, is a new invention that enables professional stylists as well as home hair colorists to easily touch up roots, as well as apply highlights and lowlights when coloring the hair. Simply stated, this device is a specially designed applicator for use in neatly and evenly dispensing hair colorant, configured in the form of an easily operated comb. Manufactured of heavy duty plastic material, the Colorthru Comb is similar in appearance to a traditional styling comb and features an elongated handle that is removable so that it is left or right handed friendly, at the distal end of which a two sided comb head is integrally attached. The Colorthru Comb is approximately nine inches in total length, with the comb head itself measuring approximately four inches in length by three quarters of an inch in width. One portion of the comb head boasts wide spaced teeth, enabling the stylist to create dramatic sweeping highlights or lowlights, while the opposite side of the comb features a series of closely spaced teeth, so this side can be used to comb out any tangles prior to using. The coloring side of the coloring comb has widely spaced teeth that are hollow, with the end of each tooth open, through which the designated colorant evenly flows. As such, the entire comb head is comprised of two pieces: an upper and a lower plate, snap fitted and held together via corresponding male and female fittings. The base portion of the Colorthru Comb features an integrated reservoir measuring approximately one inch in depth, with channels from that reservoir incorporated into the design of each tooth.

Thus, the interior of the comb is filled with designated colorant and the product is channeled through and dispensed via the teeth. The Colorthru Comb is produced for both left and right handed users.

Application and use of the Colorthru Comb is very simple and straight forward. Filling the comb with designated colorant, the stylist utilizes this unique tool to color their clients hair. By placing the top of the two pieces together a coloring brush is used to place the color on the top of the cover. Taking strokes back and forth, the color will fall in the teeth, thus filling the teeth. Take off the top and you are ready to color the hair. The user then combs the Colorthru Comb through the client's hair, starting at the nape of the neck and working their way upwards. For example, if highlights are desired, mix the bleach up. Let it stand to get as thick as possible. Start at the lowest area to be colored, then place the teeth at the head while holding the hair out in your fingers. Take the Colothru Comb and press lightly into the hair and pull the comb toward you. At the same time, you should see the bleach on the hair as you work your way down the hair shaft. If you don't want very many high lights, take the two teeth out and use the other top. Take sections as wide as you want, but remember to always do the lowest area first. Do not use a hair drier.

When doing low lights, place the color at the scalp first, if needed. Then start at the nape and work upward. First assemble the two pieces of the top. Take a coloring brush and place colorant on the top using back and forth strokes. This will make color work down into the teeth. Take off the top of the comb and place the Colorthru Comb at the scalp. Lightly press the comb into the hair while holding the hair out with your fingers. Work your way down the hair shaft. You will see the color on the hair shaft as you work your way down the hair shaft. Always with both bleach or color use the comb side first to comb out the tangles, then flip the Colorthru Comb over and color the hair. The stylist follows normal coloring procedures, rinsing and styling the hair as usual. The Colorthru Comb is then rinsed clean and stored away until needed again.

The Colorthru Comb is a unique invention which offers consumers a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Colorthru Comb provides consumers who color their hair a simple and efficient means of touching up roots, as well as creating dramatic or natural looking highlights and lowlights. A hand held styling comb boasting an integrated dispenser, the Colorthru Comb enables consumers to quickly and effortlessly apply product to the hair, without spending long hours wrapping the hair in foils or pulling the hair through a cap, ensuring the even distribution of product. The Colorthru Comb allows professionals to style their customers' hair in a neat and uniform manner. Applied directly to the wearer's natural part or easily blended with the wearer's natural hair, the Colorthru Comb enables the stylist to create a variety of dramatic looks with ease. Allowing the salon professional to provide supreme service to their clients, the Colorthru Comb results in greater customer satisfaction and repeat business. Additionally, those consumers who color their own hair at home also appreciate the many benefits this useful product affords. Durably constructed of quality material, this innovative product withstands years of repeated use.

Offering an exciting addition to the hair care market, Colorthru Comb is a unique product invention that offers consumers a practical means of coloring the hair. Simple to use, this cleverly designed applicator comb proves a favorite commodity of any professional stylist and their costumers. Affordably priced, the Colorthru Comb is well received by any consumer who bleaches or colors their hair.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A hair coloring device, comprising a traditional styling comb further comprising an elongated removably attached handle for accommodation of left handed or right handed users, wherein the body of the comb comprises a reservoir for receiving colorant, the comb further comprising a two sided comb head attached to the distal end of the comb, wherein the first side of the comb head comprises wide spaced teeth, and the second side of the comb head comprises closely spaced teeth, wherein the teeth on the first side of the comb head are hollow and further comprise an opening at the end of each tooth to allow colorant to pass therethrough, and wherein the reservoir is in communication with the hollow teeth.
 2. The comb of claim 1 further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate for covering the comb head, wherein the upper plate and lower plate are snap fitted and held together by means of corresponding male and female fittings.
 3. The comb of claim 1 wherein the comb is approximately nine inches in total length, and the comb head is approximately four inches in length by three quarters of an inch in width. 